Weekend Lessons

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What I learned this weekend: I love French Connection, sundried tomatoes are my favorite vegetable, anything Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa makes is absolutely fantastic*, always apply sunscreen to your back when washing your car... always, a far away friend can always make my day through a simple text message, I will never be too old for dyeing eggs or Easter Egg hunts, peanut butter and chocolate will always and forever be my favorite combination, and I should own more pastel colored items.

*See Ina Garten's Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe

Stripes are Forever

Forever21, Frenchie Knit Top, $17.80

Forever21, Striped Boxy Top, $12.80

Forever21, Striped Bandeau Top, $3.50

Forever21, Striped Bodycon Dress, $12.80

Forever21, Striped Sweater Tunic, $15.99

Forever21, Striped Bodycon Skirt, $8.80

The nautical theme seems to arise every time summer rolls around again, and I have to say I kind of love it. Stripes go with everything! Here are a few striped items you can find at Forever21 at some really cool price points.

Wheel

Have you ever heard a song that stops you dead in your tracks and forces you to listen? This song is an old one, but I never tire of hearing it. And no matter what I do, I can never concentrate on anything else, but the lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8SMBPDZDaw&feature=fvwrel

Pumpkin & Chocolate Chip Pancakes

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This past weekend consisted of terrifying storms, peaceful rain, and good laughs with friends. My lovely sister came home this weekend to work on her senior capstone paper, which is probably one of the most stressful papers to ever accomplish. Since the school rarely provides her with ‘home cooked’ meals, I decided to make her breakfast on Saturday morning. The morning was gloomy and reminded me of fall, and longed for something warm with hints of spice. After scouring the pantry I found some pumpkin puree and milk chocolate chips, which must be used together. I used this recipe to create fluffy* pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes that melted in your mouth. I highly recommend you try this recipe, because who says pumpkin is only for the cooler months?!

*The key to fluffy pancakes is to leave the batter lumpy with bubbles. Just fold together the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients until just combined, no more than that. Enjoy!

Honey, Honey

Although, I’m terrified of bees and every other type of insect, I find this honeycomb cake pan adorable. The pan comes with a Honey-Almond cake mix that looks divine; the only thing that would complete the cake would be some sort of sugary glaze. Yum-O. I have been in a baking mood lately, which isn’t ideal since bikini season is right around the corner. Only if desserts didn’t have calories!

 

Get Waisted!

1. Forever21, Faux Fur Cheetah Belt, $4.80


2. Zara, Leather Belt, $39.90


3. Banana Republic, Ikat Beaded Belt, $49.50


4. Zara, Wide Sash Belt, $29.90


5. Topshop, Gold Metal Bar Belt, $55


6. Forever21, Striped Rafia Belt, $11.80

Belts are a fun way to add a pop of color to an outfit, or define your waist when wearing a billowing blouse or dress. Whether with hardware, or stripes, or every color of the rainbow, I believe belts are like shoes, you can never have too many!

Spring Suede Pumps

1. Forever21


2. Endless


3. Zara


4. Steve Madden

As I've said before, color this spring is in, in, in!! And what better way to express your colorful personality then through these vibrant suede pumps? If you are afraid of wearing bright pieces start with accessories. Try a bright piece of jewelry, a lively belt, or a great vivid pair of pumps! Check out a few that have caught my eye.